We first discovered Akumal Bay in 2010. We had hired a driver to take a group of us there but it was a windy day and we ended up at Yal Ku Lagoon instead. Really wanting to see it my husband and I returned on our own another day. It was so worth it, but who knew that it would lead us to where we are today.
The Akumal Beach Resort, as it was known at that time, has always had a very loyal following. It was a three star beach resort that was ridiculously expensive, for what it was, and almost impossible to book. Very few suppliers even sold it in Canada. But where we had heard about it from so many people we had to see it for ourselves. So we visited the town and then, after fulfilling his dream of snorkeling with the turtles of Akumal Bay, we headed off to walk the beach.
The beach itself was beautiful. Not riddled with resorts, very natural feeling.
Akumal Beach Resort was pretty much as we expected. Nice place with fantastic beach but way over priced.
In 2012 the resort began a major renovation and we started to watch it closely. After a few years it really seemed like it had come into it’s own and we started looking for packages. But low and behold, this resort is not for the last minute booker – which we used to be. It sells out for the period we travel every year. In 2016 I was determined and I watched closely for something within our price range and finally got it for 2017. That first trip was amazing. You read reviews and wonder how much of what they say is true but with this place 95% of what we read was bang on. When we went in 2018 we were astounded that it was better than the 2017 trip and again this year we were overwhelmed with how they continue to maintain such a high standard of customer service. In my opinion it is the number one thing this place has over any other place we have been. The Majestic Colonial in Punta Cana and the Decameron Club Caribbean in Jamaica are the only other places we have been to in all our travels that even come close to the same level of customer service as Akumal Bay.
Now this resort is most definitely not for everyone. There is no glitz no glam no marble statues or towering fountains, it is pure simple elegance with a strong focus on wellness and being environmentally conscious. There aren’t 2000 rooms spread out over a vast area, there are 310 ocean view rooms spread out over four beachfront buildings. There no cheesy nightly shows, it’s a live band and dancing every night. There’s a disco, but we’ve never managed to find time to get there. There’s no swim up bar, thus the pool is very clean – honestly who is there for the pool anyway. There are several pool/beach bars and pool/beach service so your never without a beverage.
Guests are generally happy and very friendly. You see the same faces over and over so you feel like you know each other and you can easily make all the friends (or none) that you want. We found this with other small-medium resorts we’ve been too as well. It’s a very ‘homey’ feeling. It feels good.
From the moment you arrive
and see your room (pictures are of regular junior suite, penthouse junior suite and corner junior suite)
You know you’re in for a treat.
From the drinks
To the food
To the buffet
and many other spots around the resort
There really is something for everyone. And while for my husband it’s the snorkeling
For me it’s the views. From sunrise to sunset they don’t disappoint.
Whether it is sipping on a coffee watching the sunrise or filling the tub and watching the stars with a glass of wine, it just feels so peaceful. For a little while all the stresses of the world are gone.
The only bad thing I can say is that we are now very spoiled. We measure all resorts based on the standard Akumal Bay Beach and Wellness Resort has set. And let me tell you that has proven to be a real challenge when it comes to short listing places for our annual southern escape.
I think there is a fit for everyone when it comes to traveling. A place that fits you as well as you fit it. I truly believe when you find it you know.
We will try other places again, the world is too big not too, we just need to find something that will make us as happy as we are at Akumal Bay. Until then, I guess we’ve found our home away from home.
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